Immigration Reform

23 Nov 2014
Posted by Bob Oliver 1 Comment

President Barrack Obama issued two “executive orders” which stand to delay potential deportation of millions of immigrants who entered the United States illegally. The controversial action by the President allows up to 5 million people who entered the country without credentials to come “out of the shadows” and into mainstream American without the fear of being deported.

According to White House officials, the executive actions will:

Deport felons, not families who are abiding by U.S. laws;

Ensure undocumented aliens pay taxes but not receive benefit of government programs;

Crack down on illegal immigration along the border.

Critics decry the actions, saying laws on immigration reform should be passed to address the issue. Congressional officials in the House and Senate have complained that such presidential action does not follow the rules of law, while the president retorts that executive orders have been issued in the past by all presidents in the last 100 years.

Why it Matters

Clearly Congress has the responsibility to act on immigration, but has not passed immigration reform despite numerous negotiations. Congress seems to have a desire to deal with the issue, but most Republicans want to ensure future border security at the onset of any changes to law, while Democrats argue the people are already here and must be dealt with.

Opinion 1:

Many undocumented people have lived in the United States for years. Many children are currently in schools, and many have graduated from college. By all accounts they are good people who obey laws and are achieving the American dream of moving ahead. Why should they be forced to return to countries they have not lived in for years? What about children of parents who came here to live their dream and are U.S. citizens? Should they be separated from the parents? Many of these people are productive people who only want to work and enjoy American life.

Opinion 2

If one robs a bank, should they be pardoned because they only wanted to get some cash? These people broke the law by coming to America without proper credentials, or, came here on a visa and then never left even after it expired. Law breakers should not be rewarded! While the fairness can be debated, there is no debate that it is Congress’ responsibility to pass laws. If it chooses not to act, that is its decision. The Constitution is clear.